Some things to ponder ...
Three things to think about while waiting to watch the Jazz-Lakers game tonight:
1. Suddenly, I don't like Dallas chances in the deep Western Conference. I watched the Mavs two nights in a row -- at EnergySolutions Arena on Wednesday and against Cleveland on television Thursday -- and this team is missing an inside game on offense. The Mavs threw up 29 three-point shots against the Jazz, who never led by more than 11 in the second half. Dallas was not far enough behind to begin hoisting three-pointers at that rate, but the Mavs did it. It looks to me like they don't have anyone, including Dirk Nowitzki, who enjoys playing close to the basket. Besides Devin Harris, it doesn't look like Dallas as anyone can get to the basket, either. And remember: jump-shooting teams don't win in the playoffs.
2. Everybody has been waiting for Boston to take an extended road trip before declaring the 24-3 Celtics the best team in the NBA. Well, Boston started a four-game journey this week with relatively easy wins at Sacramento and Seattle. The Kings and Sonics won't be mistaken for San Antonio or Phoenix, but both teams are capable at home. The way Boston routed them was impressive. Next up: Utah and the L.A. Lakers. If the Celtics finish off a 4-0 trip with a back-to-back sweep of the Jazz and Lakers, it will be time to start thinking of Boston as the clear favorite in the Eastern Conference -- Detroit's nice stretch recently notwithstanding.
3. Gordan Giricek is back, but for how long? Despite the fact Giricek is with the team in L.A. and everybody involved in his blow-up with coach Jerry Sloan insist it's time to move forward, I'm guessing vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor will search out a deal for the veteran shooting guard prior to the trade deadline in February. Giricek's ability and expiring $4 million contract will likley interest a few teams, especially if he keeps a low profile during the next month. The situation reminds me of 2003, when DeShawn Stevenson unleashed a profanity-filled tirade at Sloan during a shootaround prior to a playoff game in Sacramento. Stevenson was sent home but quickly rejoined the team. He started the 2003-04 season with the Jazz and played well enough so Utah finally was able to trade him -- to Orlando for a guy named Gordan Giricek.
-- Steve Luhm
1. Suddenly, I don't like Dallas chances in the deep Western Conference. I watched the Mavs two nights in a row -- at EnergySolutions Arena on Wednesday and against Cleveland on television Thursday -- and this team is missing an inside game on offense. The Mavs threw up 29 three-point shots against the Jazz, who never led by more than 11 in the second half. Dallas was not far enough behind to begin hoisting three-pointers at that rate, but the Mavs did it. It looks to me like they don't have anyone, including Dirk Nowitzki, who enjoys playing close to the basket. Besides Devin Harris, it doesn't look like Dallas as anyone can get to the basket, either. And remember: jump-shooting teams don't win in the playoffs.
2. Everybody has been waiting for Boston to take an extended road trip before declaring the 24-3 Celtics the best team in the NBA. Well, Boston started a four-game journey this week with relatively easy wins at Sacramento and Seattle. The Kings and Sonics won't be mistaken for San Antonio or Phoenix, but both teams are capable at home. The way Boston routed them was impressive. Next up: Utah and the L.A. Lakers. If the Celtics finish off a 4-0 trip with a back-to-back sweep of the Jazz and Lakers, it will be time to start thinking of Boston as the clear favorite in the Eastern Conference -- Detroit's nice stretch recently notwithstanding.
3. Gordan Giricek is back, but for how long? Despite the fact Giricek is with the team in L.A. and everybody involved in his blow-up with coach Jerry Sloan insist it's time to move forward, I'm guessing vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor will search out a deal for the veteran shooting guard prior to the trade deadline in February. Giricek's ability and expiring $4 million contract will likley interest a few teams, especially if he keeps a low profile during the next month. The situation reminds me of 2003, when DeShawn Stevenson unleashed a profanity-filled tirade at Sloan during a shootaround prior to a playoff game in Sacramento. Stevenson was sent home but quickly rejoined the team. He started the 2003-04 season with the Jazz and played well enough so Utah finally was able to trade him -- to Orlando for a guy named Gordan Giricek.
-- Steve Luhm
12:05 PM
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